Planning an imaging project

Some years ago I researched and wrote a report for the National Museum of Ireland advising on best practice for digitising a photographic 35mm slide collection of significant importance. Obviously as technology and knowledge moves forward all the time, much of the information I gathered at the time is out-of-date now. However, in my report I emphasised technology independent issues such as project management and workflow. No matter what level of resources and budget you have, it is these elements that are most crucial to the success of your project.

My advice here is:
Do not be put off by what seems to be old publications as many resources include information about best practice, and do not get hung up on the hardware or software, yet. Once you have decided on the workflow, then you will have to learn about file formats, image resolution and other technical details. Many of the links below include technical information so you will probably pick this up as you read around the subject. The main thing to learn is what is the best quality image that should be produced; do not get bogged down with the latest fancy program!

You must:

decide what is the desired end result;

plan the journey (workflow);

how to get to the final result (software and hardware);

run tests using various dpi and software settings, etc.;

do it.

To what extent you will incorporate every recommended element will depend on your budget. In the real world, the best you can aim for is to scan at the highest/best resolution possible so, at the very least, the images can be used again at a later stage to improve a project. As you educate yourself about best practice it will dawn on you that there’s a very good chance that one gets only a single chance to do a digital project: this is because the most valuable resource of all – time – is scarce and brief, thus do, please, try to get it right first time!